Drafted by Phoenix, 5th overall in 2004. Never signed a thing with the Coyotes, keeping him out of the NHL and AHL. He played WCHA until he was a free agent, 4 full years.

Then he signed in Boston, going from the Golden Gophers one year to the Bruins the next. 20 goal scorer in his rookie season in the NHL, just had 64 points last season in Winnipeg.

The guy is 6'5" and is incredible. But he decided to burn 4 years of his early career so he didn't have to play for the Coyotes. What makes anyone think that a guy from Europe wouldn't rather wait 2 years at home and then decide where to play, instead of play away from home probably in the AHL just to have no controll over their career?

There also was a loophole that was closed that a few college players exploited. I am not sure if ti was this one or something different.

I do undertand that given hockey is an international game that players should get credit for professional years playing in Europe when it comes to UFA status.